Chris has focused his energy on other people for a big part of his life. A loving father of a daughter with complex needs, he spent more than two decades advocating and caring for her wellbeing. He found that navigating the health system was very challenging, and talked about the apparent failure of the system to recognise the lived experience of those closest to the person needing support. Looking back on life, he believes those challenging years caring for her changed him profoundly, teaching him resilience, patience, and a deeper understanding of the responsibilities and obligations of caring for someone. 

I asked Chris about what felt like home to him. With a moment of contemplation, he said that after years of putting others first, he sees home as being comfortable in his own company. Going through periods of isolation, reflection, and self-discovery, Chris started to learn to value himself, something he had neglected for much of his life. It was a difficult transition for him, but it became an opportunity to reconnect with his true authentic self.

Life has thrown curve balls in other ways, over the years. A near-death experience in his early thirties changed his perspective on life and mortality, while more recent health challenges have led him to reevaluate how he cares for himself. Changes to his lifestyle, and prioritising self-care has enabled Chris to  sustainably improve his physical and mental health. Looking after himself is no longer just an afterthought; it has become a foundation for how he lives his life, and there was a little smile that reinforced that achievement.

These days, Chris is firm in his belief that much of his energy is directed towards helping others. Drawing on his own life experiences, he has been planning and developing a creative project centred around a character called eNZpiro the king of inspiration. Combining his love of writing, performance, and self-expression, Chris hopes to encourage others to overcome challenges in their own lives, find their own voice, and to believe in their full potential. Watch this space!

At the centre of Chris's life is what feels like a simple yet strong belief. He says when people find peace within themselves, they are better able to share kindness, encouragement, and generate hope in others. Having spent years caring for those around him, he is now focused on a new chapter of life centred around his own happiness. This really does mean being his authentic self. One thing that is very noticeable about Chris; his personality and energy radiates strongly and is felt by all around him.

Chris’s portrait was captured in the Botanic Garden in Dunedin. This city is also where much of his personal transformation has taken place. 

I first met Chris many months prior to this session, at a native planting project day along Long Beach, where his energetic personality reflected much of what he talked about today.  For Chris, life has become a chapter less defined by obligation to others, and more about self-discovery, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose. I asked Chris if there was one thing he hoped people would remember him by, before we ended our meeting.

"I like to inspire people to become better versions of themselves."